Operating an inflatable boat without protection from the sun or rain turns a comfortable walk into an endurance test. Arc on the PVC boat It's a key element in the design of a tent that can save you from the heat of the storm or the rain of the night, and without a solid frame, you can't use the boat for fishing, where you need protection from the rain, or for family vacations with children.
The design may seem simple, but it is the quality of the curves and the material that determines the stability of the entire canopy on the wave. An improperly selected arch can deform under the load of wind or damage cylinders when friction. In this article, we will discuss the nuances of the choice between steel and duraluminum, consider how to attach to the mounting of the arch. floorboard We will also discuss how to avoid common mistakes in the assembly.
Many owners find that the standard elements are not suitable for their tasks, requiring rework or a complete replacement. The optimal angle of bending of the arc should be 110-120 degrees for effective water flow from the awning without creating sailing. Understanding the physics of load distribution will help you build a structure that will withstand the storm wind and will not let you down far from the shore.
Materials of manufacture: steel against duraluminium
The first thing a buyer faces when looking for a frame is choosing metal. Steel arcs are usually coated with powder paint to protect against corrosion, but even a quality coating is not eternal. Mechanical damage, impacts on the side or stones when disembarking quickly violate the integrity of the layer, opening the way for rust. However, steel is high strength and low cost, which makes it popular for budget boat models.
The duraluminium variants, in turn, are free of the rust problem, because aluminum oxidizes to create a protective film, but does not break down as rapidly as iron. They are significantly lighter, which is critical for single-seater boats, where every kilogram of cargo affects driving performance. Duraluminium D16T It has excellent strength on the kink, but requires careful handling during welding or bending, so as not to lose its properties in the zone of thermal influence.
⚠️ Attention: When buying a used boat, carefully examine the contact points of the arcs with the mounts. Hidden corrosion inside the steel tube can lead to a sudden collapse of the frame under the load of the awning during strong winds.
The weight of the structure directly affects the stability of the vessel. Heavy steel frame, shifted upwards, increases the center of gravity of the boat, which can be noticeable when you turn abruptly or have strong side winds. Aluminum profiles reduce this effect, making control more predictable. If you plan long journeys with more equipment, saving weight on the frame will allow you to take more payload.
Design features and bend geometry
The geometry of the arc determines not only the aesthetics, but also the functionality of the entire tent. The classic P-shaped shape is easy to make, but has a significant drawback: rainwater will accumulate on the horizontal bar, creating a huge load on the frame. The arched structure lacks this minus, providing a natural flow of moisture along the edges, which is especially important for prolonged parking in the rain.
The height of the setup also plays a role. The arc too low limits freedom of movement, causing the angler to constantly bend, which tires the back. The high landing increases sailing, turning the boat into an improvised catamaran in the side wind. Optimal altitude It is selected individually, but usually is 50-70 cm from the level of paiola, which allows you to sit comfortably on the bank, keeping a low profile.
The important element is the bending points. In these areas, the metal experiences maximum stress. Factory products often have reinforced walls or an additional profile at the folding points. If you order the arc fabrication yourself, make sure that the radius of curvature matches the technology of the chosen metal bending to avoid crevices and microcracks.
Why is the bend radius important?
A sharp 90-degree curve with no smooth radius creates a stress concentration point, and when you vibrate on a wave, that's where the metal gets tired and bursts the fastest, and the smooth arc spreads the load over the entire length.
Types of fasteners: to the balloon or to the floorboards?
There are two main ways of fixing the frame: attaching directly to the cylinders through special "glasses" or to the hard floor (floorboards), fastening to the cylinders is considered more versatile, since it does not depend on the type of floor. pocket-holderwhich are glued to the cylinder or removable clamps covering the diameter of the cylinder.
Fixing to floorboard requires a hard floor, usually aluminum or plywood. This method provides a rigid bundle of the entire structure: the floor, sides and frame work as a whole. However, when installed on plywood floors, you need to use wide washers or plates so that the screws do not push through the wood and shake the hole over time.
- 🔹 Fixing to the cylinder: universal, does not require floor drilling, but can be turned in strong winds.
- 🔹 floorboard fastening: Maximum stiffness, ideal for fishing, but requires a compatible floor.
- 🔹 Combined method: use of stops in the nose and clamps on cylinders to distribute the load.
When choosing a method of attachment, consider the frequency of assembly and disassembly of the boat. If you often blow the boat, the mounts on the cylinders can wear out faster due to constant compression and straightening of the fabric. jack-up Stainless steel that can be removed before packaging.
Use a pad made of neoprene or thick rubber between the metal clamping and the cylinder fabric, which will prevent the PVC material from being rubbed when vibrating on the wave.
Instructions for installation and assembly of the frame
The installation process begins with the preparation of all elements. Make sure that the ends of the arcs do not have sharp burrs that can injure the hands or damage the fabric of the boat. If you use composite arcs (telescopic or from several segments), check the density of the connection of the pipes - backlash is unacceptable, as it will lead to loosening of the structure.
The first step is always to install the mounts. If they are pockets, put them on cylinders in marked places, ensuring symmetry. The left and starboard sides should be at the same distance from the transom, otherwise the awning will skew, and the water will accumulate on one side. When attached to the floorboards, install brackets and lock them with bolts, using grover washers to prevent self-screwing.
☑️ Check before installing the tent
Once the bases are fixed, insert the arcs. The movements must be confident, but without undue effort. If the arc enters tightly, lubricate the ends with silicone lubrication or soap solution, but do not use aggressive chemistry. The final step is to stretch the awning: first fasten the aft, then the nose, and only after that fix the sidewalls to ensure uniform tension.
| Parameter | Fixing to the cylinder | Firming to the paiola | Universal. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toughness | Medium | High. | Medium |
| Installation | Fast. | It takes time. | Medium. |
| Risk to the fabric | Low (when gassing) | Missing. | Medium. |
| Compatibility | Any boat. | Only with a hard floor | Depends on the kit. |
Enhancing the transom and protecting against vibration
Arrows are often associated with the need to strengthen the transom, especially if the frame is planned to hang additional accessories: sonars, spinning holders or navigators. Tranza is experiencing tremendous loads from the motor, and adding weight to the frame can increase vibration. To avoid cracks in the plywood of the transom or deformation of aluminum, use additional reinforcer.
Vibration is the main enemy of all threaded joints on the water. Constant shaking from the engine can weaken even tightly twisted nuts. To combat this phenomenon, use a medium-fixed thread fixer (anaerobic sealant).
⚠️ Attention: Never use regular tape or tape to fix the connector arches on the water. Under the influence of ultraviolet light and water, the adhesive layer will lose its properties, and the frame can fold at the most inopportune moment.
If you're mounting heavy equipment on arcs, consider using additional struts, which can go from the top of the arc to the transom or to the paioles, unloading the bend, and this is especially true for boats over 3.5 meters long, where the arc span is large and the sailing creates a lever effect.
Frame maintenance and storage
Metal structures require minimal but regular maintenance. After every fishing, especially in salt water, the arcs must be rinsed with fresh water. Salt is a powerful catalyst for corrosion, and even anodized aluminum can eventually become covered with white oxide plaque that is difficult to remove.
When stored in winter, it is important to dry all the elements completely. Moisture left inside hollow pipes or in docking places, when frozen, can expand and break the metal or disrupt the geometry. It is better to store the arcs in a disassembled form, in a dry room, suspended or lying on a flat surface to avoid deformation under its own weight.
Periodically check the state of painting or anodizing. The appearance of chips on steel arcs should be immediately cleaned and tinted with special metal enamel. For aluminum parts, you can use polishes that restore the protective oxide layer and return the shine.
Regular lubrication of mobile joints and friction sites by silicone on the fabric increases the life of the frame by 2-3 times and prevents damage to expensive PVC material.
Additional accessories and upgrades
The modern arc is not just a tent support, but a base for installing various equipment. spinnerIt's also popular for navigational mounts that allow you to free your hands while you're trolling or waiting for a bite, and it's also popular for mountings for sounding instruments, or GPS, to keep your sonar screen at eye level.
To protect against side winds and spray, you can fasten additional curtains (sidewalls) to the arcs, which turn the open cockpit into a closed cabin, keeping it warm and dry. It is important that the arcs are designed to withstand wind loads with curtains installed, otherwise a gust of wind can turn the frame inside out.
Some anglers install LED tapes with IP67 or higher moisture protection on the arcs, which provide light to the work area at night without having to use bulky lights or headlights, in which case power is usually taken from an additional battery or main one through a connector.
How to calculate the required length of the arc for a homemade awning?
To calculate the length of the arc, measure the width of the boat at the mounting site. Add to that the lift height (on both sides) and the bend margin. The arch formula is complicated, so it's easier to use the cord: throw it across the intended arch, tie it and measure the length. Add 10-15 cm to the mount to the holders.
Can water pipes be used to make arcs?
Theoretically, it can, but it's not recommended that water pipes (steel or polypropylene) are not designed to handle this kind of torsion and fracture load, steel will quickly rust without special treatment, and plastic will become brittle in the cold, and it's better to use duraluminium pipes of the appropriate diameter.
What if the arc does not fit into the cover of the boat?
If the arcs are composite, try to separate them. If this is not possible, use an external gear case or fasten the arcs separately, wrapping them in a dense fabric so that the sharp edges do not tear the boat bag during transportation.